The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, defended the suspension of the capital's entire bus service for much of yesterday, saying the work of the gritters was simply covered by new snow.

In New York city, where the average winter snowfall is 28 inches (71cm), suspending bus services is unthinkable. As soon as snow starts, the city's 6,500 refuse collectors are switched to snow duties, with ploughs put on the front of garbage trucks and main emergency and bus routes cleared first.

Ivan Fedorenko, spokesman for Moscow's state transport company, said his Russian-made buses could navigate Moscow's icy streets even during heavy snowfall. But he said: "We're used to snow in winter. I feel sorry for you Brits. You are clearly dealing with anomalous conditions. It's no surprise you can't cope with it."